Joyce Jeanne (Watts) Klenklen passed onto the next world on September 19, 2026 in Blue Springs, Mo. at the age of 84.

She was born on July 30th 1942, at St. Joseph Hospital in Boonville, Missouri to Hugh and Evelyn Watts. She grew up in an 18 room turn-of-the century farmhouse overlooking the Missouri River. She often regaled her family with stories about growing up in this house, playing in rooms filled with antiques.

Joyce moved to Independence Missouri in 1968 where she and her husband bought their first home. Joyce and her husband Herb owned and operated a professional cleaning and janitorial business for over 40 years. Joyce was a member of St. Mary's Church for 50 years. Joyce raised her family, believing in the Midwestern values of hard work, faith, and frugality. She supported her sons in exploring many hobbies and vocational opportunities.

Joyce spent her weekends playing card games and having family dance parties with neighbors. Joyce was a "devout and competitive" player of Canasta and Pitch. Card games also involved serving the best Reuben sandwich on the block. Her 'ultimate midwestern potato salad' was another fan favorite. Joyce loved to cook and share recipes with her sister Betty, whom she spoke with every day for over 40 years. Joyce was a voracious reader of southern romance novels. She maintained the same hairstyle all her adult life. You knew something was wrong if you ever saw her without her hair being done, earrings on, and a fierce dark red lip.

Joyce will be laid to rest beside her husband of 46 years, Herbert Joseph Klenklen who died on February 7, 2007, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be from 5-7pm with rosary beginning at 5pm on Thursday, September 24th at Speaks Memorial Chapel at 18020 East 39th Street, Independence, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, September 25th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Independence Missouri.

Joyce is survived by her son, John Klenklen; her grandson, Chandler Klenklen; granddaughters, Gabriella Klenklen and Kelsy Kivett; and two great grandchildren, Lily Klenklen and Emry Kivett. She is preceded in death by her loving sister, Betty June (Watts) Moehle; brother Winfred Watts, and son, Jeffrey Klenklen. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association.